UNION CITY GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ASSETS, ISSUES, AND OPPORTUNITIES SUMMARY REPORT APRIL 2015

WHAT ARE ASSETS, COMMUNITY ISSUES, AND CHARACTER Historic Union City and OPPORTUNITIES? Creating New City Centers ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT AND RESILIENCE Fiscal Stability Climate Action Plan Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Resilience Planning Water Conservation LAND USE AND HOUSING HAZARDS AND SAFETY The Station District Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Union Landing and Emergency Operation Plans

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CITY COUNCIL Carol Dutra-Vernaci, Mayor Jim Navarro, Vice Mayor CONTENTS Emily Duncan, Councilmember Lorrin Ellis, Councilmember Pat Gacoscos, Councilmember 1 | Introduction PLANNING COMMISSION Report organization, sources, and Roy Panlilio, Chairperson relationship to the General Plan Raymond Gonzalez Jr., Vice Chair Lee Guio, Commissioner Jo Ann Lew, Commissioner Harpal Mann, Commissioner SUMMARY REPORT Harris Mojadedi, Alternate Commissioner 6 | Summary of Assets, Dave Sweilem, Alternate Commissioner Issues, and Opportunities GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE What are Assets, Issues, and Opportunities? Jim Navarro, Vice Mayor Pat Gacoscos, City Council 8 | Economic Development and Fiscal Stability Lee Guio, Planning Commission Roy Panlilio, Planning Commission 14 | Land Use and Housing Chuck Kennedy, Parks & Recreation Commission Yesenia Molinar, Human Relations Commission 20 | Community Character and Design Domingo Filardo, Senior Commission Jaden Gray, Youth Commission 24 | Transportation and Mobility Lance Nishihira, Economic Development Advisory Team Sarabjit Cheema, New Haven Unified School District 28 | Infrastructure and Services Barry Ferrier, At-large Lisa Mata, At-large Vincent Tice, At-large 30 | Open Space and Resources UNION CITY STAFF 34 | Community Health and Quality of Life Joan Malloy, Economic & Community Development Director Carmela Campbell, Planning Manager 42 | Hazards and Safety CONSULTANT TEAM 46 | Sustainability and Resiliency Larry Mintier, FAICP, Principal, Mintier Harnish Jim Harnish, JD, Principal, Mintier Harnish Ted Holzem, Senior Project Manager, Mintier Harnish Jim Heid, Principal, Urban Green Doug Svensson, Principal ADE Abe Leider, Supervising Planner, Rincon Consultants Brett Walinski, Principal Associate, Hexagon Stephen Hammond, Principal, WRT ii Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Introduction The Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report is designed to focus community attention on key issues and opportunities that have major policy implications as Union City considers how to grow and change over the next 25 years. The Report summarizes and proactively uses input from the community workshop, online townhall forum, General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), the Planning Commission, the City Council, as well as City staff. Information and data from the Draft Background Report was also utilized in the drafting of this report. The City anticipates that this Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report will stimulate discussion and lead to confirmation and selection of courses of action to be reflected in the Alternatives Report and General Plan Policy Document. This Report does not draw conclusions or suggest the manner in which the City should proceed in the development of the General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs. Rather, it provides a summary to facilitate discussion on important topics. This report serves as a tool in the General Plan Update process and a supplement to the General Plan. Since it serves only as a foundational tool in the development of the General Plan, it will not be adopted with the Background Report and Policy Document. The Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report focuses primarily on major citywide issues and opportunities. A comprehensive list of all the assets, issues, and opportunities identified by the public, GPAC, and decision-makers can be found on the General Plan website (uc2040.com). Although all the issues and opportunities will be addressed in the General Plan, only major citywide issues and opportunities are discussed here. Relationship to Other General Plan Update Documents As described above, the Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report is a tool to facilitate the development of the updated General Plan. It is one of several documents that will be produced during the General Plan Update process as either a support document or part of the adopted General Plan. These documents include the following: General Plan Update Support Documents As part of the General Plan Update, the City will prepare several support documents that will serve as building blocks for the adopted General Plan and analyze the environmental impacts associated with implementing the Plan. These documents include the following: Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report Based on public input and information gathered for the Background Report, this report identifies key City assets, issues, and opportunities to be addressed in the General Plan.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 1 Alternatives Report For any planning effort there will be several possible courses of action a community may pursue. The Alternatives Report will present land use scenarios and policy options that can be used to address the various issues and opportunities. The report will evaluate the land use alternatives for their short-term and long-term social, economic, and environmental effects on Union City. Decision-makers will select one or a combination of alternatives as the “preferred alternative.” Once the preferred alternative is selected, the General Plan Update team will develop goals, policies, implementation programs, and land use and circulation diagrams based on that alternative. Environmental Impact Report The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will evaluate the potential environmental effects of implementing the Draft General Plan pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City Council and Planning Commission will use the EIR during the General Plan Update process to understand the potential environmental impacts and to refine the General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs to mitigate those impacts to the extent feasible. General Plan Documents Draft Vision and Guiding Principles Prepared early in the Update process, the Vision and Guiding Principles captures the community’s values and establishes the community’s aspirations for the next 25 years of Union City’s growth and change. The Vision Statement will be incorporated into the Policy Document and will act as a foundation for the goals, policies, and implementation programs. Background Report The Background Report represents a “snapshot” of current (2014) Union City conditions and trends. It provides a detailed description of a wide ranges of topics about the city, such as demographics and economic conditions and projections, land use, public facilities, environmental resources, and safety hazards. The Report provides decision- makers context for making policy decisions, and is purposely policy neutral. The Background Report will also serve as the environmental setting section of the EIR prepared for the General Plan update. Policy Document The Policy Document is the most important part of the General Plan. It contains the Vision Statement and the goals and policies that will guide future City decisions. It also includes implementation programs that will ensure the goals and policies in the General Plan are carried out. The Policy Document also contains the land use diagram, which serves as a general guide to the distribution of land uses throughout the city, and the circulation diagram, which serves as a guide for the development of transportation improvements that support planned land uses.

2 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Sources of Assets, Issues, and Opportunities The Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report was developed by City staff and the General Plan Update Consultants from a variety of sources, including the following: General Plan Update Community Workshop #1 The City conducted a community workshop on September 20, 2014. Workshop attendees participated in four interactive exercises to provide input for a community vision and to identify the city’s major assets, issues, and opportunities. Input from the workshop used in this Report came primarily from two of the workshop exercises: • Exercise #1: Assets and Issues. Participants identified features of the city they felt are assets and issues that need to be addressed. • Exercise #2: Opportunities and Enhancements. Participants identified features, uses, or amenities they wanted or didn’t want to see in the city.

Online Townhall Forum Input In addition to the community workshop, the City conducted an online townhall forum that allowed residents to communicate with each other, City leaders, and City staff about the issues relevant to Union City. The forum, open for six weeks in September and October 2014, asked residents to provide input on the following topics used in this Report: • Assets: Please identify three things you love about living in Union City. • Issues: If you could change or fix one thing about Union City, what would it be and why? • Opportunities: What is one thing about Union City that could be improved upon to make our community better?

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 3 General Plan Advisory Committee Input City staff and the General Plan Update consultants met with the GPAC on September 3, 2014, and October 15, 2014. During the second meeting the General Plan Update consultants and City staff presented a summary of Community Workshop #1 and facilitated a discussion with the GPAC to prioritize citywide assets, issues, and opportunities and refine the draft Union City Vision. Planning Commission and City Council Input On November 6, 2014, and November 25, 2014, City staff and the General Plan Update consultants facilitated study sessions with the Planning Commission and City Council, respectively. At both study sessions decision-makers reviewed the results of the first Community Workshop and input from the GPAC and provided input on additional assets, issues, and opportunities. Background Report Findings The Background Report lists key findings concerning a comprehensive set of topics, including economic and demographic conditions and projections, land use, community design, housing, healthy communities, transportation and circulation, public facilities and services, natural and cultural resources, and hazards and public safety. These findings were used to inform the assets, issues, and opportunities identified by the public and to identify additional topics summarized in this Report. City Staff and Consultant Observations City staff and the General Plan Update consultants provided additional feedback regarding key City assets, issues, and opportunities based on their unique perspectives and knowledge of the city.

4 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Report Organization and Contents This Report summarizes the key assets, issues, and opportunities that Union City will address in its General Plan Update. This Report is not a verbatim list of every asset, issue, and opportunity discussed to this point, but instead focuses on the most important topics identified so far during the Update process. It is based on key points of discussion in the community workshop, online townhall forum, GPAC meetings, and Planning Commission and City Council study sessions, as well as information and data from the Background Report and observations from City staff and the General Plan Update consultants.

This Report is organized into two parts. Part 1, Introduction, provides an overview and the purpose of the Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report. It summarizes the Report’s relationship to other General Plan Update documents and the General Plan Update process, lists the sources of information used to develop this Report, and provides an overview of the Report’s organization and contents. Part 2, Summary of Assets, Issues, and Opportunities, discusses the key assets, issues, and opportunities that have been identified to this point in the Update process.

The assets, issues, and opportunities included in this Report have been organized according to 9 topical sections. Each topical section is organized into subsections that discuss specifics about the identified assets, issues, and opportunities and provides relevant information and data to support the discussion. Each topical section begins with a brief summary of background information. This is followed by a list of the assets, issues, and opportunities that fall within that topic. Each topical section concludes with a list of questions that frame key policy considerations associated with the topic. These policy questions are intended to assist the reader in thinking about how the General Plan may address the issues and opportunities. Next Steps in the Update Process Using the information contained in this Report, the City will begin the General Plan Update Alternatives Phase. During this phase the City will hold a Community Workshop, open the townhall forum again, meet with the GPAC and the City’s Economic Development Action Team (EDAT), and hold study sessions with the Planning Commission and City Council. Additional Information regarding these opportunities for public input can be found at www.UC2040.com.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 5 Summary of Assets, Issues, and Opportunities

Introduction This chapter summarizes key assets, issues, and opportunities that have policy implications for Union City’s future growth and change. This chapter highlights major topics under the headings of land use and housing, economic development and fiscal stability, infrastructure and services, open space and resources, hazards and safety, community health and quality of life, and sustainability and resiliency.

6 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com What is an A Asset? An “Asset” is a valued characteristic or feature of the city that the City can preserve or enhance through the General Plan. What is an *Assets, Issues, and I Issue? Opportunities are identified throughout the Report using An “Issue” is an important unsettled matter, challenge, or problem that the icons shown to the right. needs to be addressed through the General Plan. What is an O Opportunity? An “Opportunity” is a unique, favorable, or advantageous condition in the city that the City can capitalize on through the General Plan.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 7 Economic Development E and Fiscal Stability

A successful local and regional economy is closely tied to residents’ standard of living and the fiscal health of the City. Addressing economic issues is important because it affects the prosperity of Union City residents and businesses and ensures residents have access to well paying jobs. Similarly, a strong economy affects the tax base that supports City government and its ability to provide services. The fiscal health of Union City is essential to providing a desirable level of public services and community amenities, which contribute significantly to resident’s quality of life.

Connections to the systems that connect it to the have increased significantly, leaving Peninsula and Silicon Valley. Peninsula and Silicon Valley, many employees priced out of A The Peninsula and Silicon including BART, I-880, and SR the market. Union City already Valley are home to many of the 84 (Dumbarton Bridge). Since provides housing for employees world’s largest high-tech companies 2001, Union City has seen growth working in these areas, and could and numerous start-ups. They in computer and electronics see additional interest if prices are the leading hub for high-tech manufacturing and programming, continue to rise. Finally, the innovation and development in instrument manufacturing, and extension of BART into northern the world and are a major draw medical equipment manufacturing, San Jose in 2017 will further for venture capital investment. among other technology sectors. connect commuters from Silicon As noted above, Union City is In addition, housing prices on the Valley to the East Bay and Union located along key transportation Peninsula and in Silicon Valley City.

8 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Access to Transportation and Goods Movement Systems. Access to well connected transportation infrastructure is key in promoting growth and development. It provides access to local retail mar- kets, connects industries to product distribution systems, and connects employees to jobs. Major, A transportation systems connect Union City to regional, national, and international markets, includ- ing BART, Union Pacific freight service, Capitol Corridor passenger service, and the I-880 freeway and State Route 84 (including the Dumbarton Bridge). BART and the I-880 and SR 84 corridors provide op- tions for business and personal travel that connect customers to local stores and services and employees to jobs (e.g., Silicon Valley). The BART station and freeway interchanges in Union City also provide attractive locations for office, lodging, multi- family housing, and retail development. I-880, SR 84, and the UP Rail lines provide access to goods movement facilities to regional and national markets. The Port of Oakland and the Oakland and San Francisco Airports provide an additional means for transporting goods inter- nationally. The airports, which are accessible via BART and regional highways, also provide an additional mode for business travel to and from Union City.

Proximity to Universities and Colleges. A Universities and colleges are key to improving local and regional economies. Proximity to universities and colleges provide communities with advantages that can spur economic growth. They play a critical role in developing technology and expanding businesses. In addition, they can create incubators for new business start-ups, provide research, and support knowledge- based businesses. Union City is within close enough proximity to CSU East Bay, CSU San Jose, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and other major universities in the region to capitalize on both the highly trained/educated workforce graduating from these institutions, as well as to serve as an incubator location for new business start- ups. Finally, college graduates and start-up owners/ employees tend to be part of the “creative class” of a community, which according to Richard Rosan, drive economic growth, support diversity, and generate new ideas.1

1 Richard M. Rosan, President, Urban Land Institute, “The Key Role of Universities in Our Nation’s Economic Growth and Urban Revitalization,” speech at St. Louis University, April 10, 2002.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 9 Vacant/Obsolete Industrial Buildings. As manufacturing Competition with Neighboring Cities. technologies advance and e-commerce consumers are demanding The economic competition among the faster delivery of products, the industrial real estate landscape is cities can be intense, and a strong city changing. Nearly half of the industrial buildings in Union City are brand is a potent weapon to maximize over 35 years old. Technologies have changed the visibility of a city’s qualities and dramatically in that time for both allow it to differentiate itself from its I warehousing and manufacturing. This competitors. Union City is located limits the type of companies and jobs in a dynamic and competitive the City can attract. Specifically, the needs market in the East Bay, where I of distribution and logistics companies cities operate in a constant state have altered the specifications of building of positioning and marketing to attract demand. They prefer larger buildings, higher investment, especially in high tech, high ceilings, and high-speed broadband connections. wage industries. Despite these common Property owners must renovate and construct new industrial efforts, Union City’s neighborhoods and buildings that meet today’s demands. commercial and industrial areas have disadvantages that pose a challenge to Union City’s economic growth. For Low-Paying Jobs. Wages tend to reflect the types of I example, Hayward and Fremont are industries and businesses within a community. Wages larger cities with larger industrial and influence the success of local businesses where residents shop, office parks, as well as stronger retail the affordability of housing, and the revenue generated by the purchasing power. These characteristics City. While Union City has a substantial base of make them better positioned to attract industrial jobs that pay living wages, residents larger developments. Newark and who commute out of town tend to earn Milpitas are located at gateways to the more than those who work locally. This is, Peninsula and Silicon Valley. They have in part, because the industrial building geographic advantages upon which they infrastructure in Union City is aging and could benefit from spill over from these does not attract companies that offer major markets. In order to set itself apart, higher wages. Union City also does not Union City must continually evolve to have an extensive inventory of office-based meet competitive pressures for jobs and businesses that would employ higher-paid retail market share and set itself apart professionals. by promoting its own advantages and pursuing strategic city branding.

Competitiveness of Union Landing. Developed in 1999, Union Landing filled a major gap in Union City’s retail mix during the past decade. It is the largest commercial center in the city and attracts people throughout the region while serving as a gathering place for residents. It has a mix of strip commercial and large format retail uses, featuring retailers like WalMart and Lowe’s, and a 25-screen movie theater. The center generates more than one-quarter of the total sales tax for the City, which is a key source of revenue to fund City services. However, retail sales at the center have been flat over the past two years and Fremont, Newark, and Hayward have recently developed new shopping centers or planned renovations or expansions to their existing shopping centers. Some residents believe Union Landing’s retail offerings are fragmented, the layout often requires driving from store to store within the center, and the center needs better maintenance. In order to ensure Union Landing remains a competitive and successful regional retail center, it will need to remain attractive to both tenants and consumers. Consumer I trends and the physical needs of retail tenants are expected to evolve, and other communities along the I-880 corridor will compete for the same regional retail spending.

10 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Retail Sales Tax Leakage: Retail sales tax leakage I occurs when residents spend money outside their community. The revenue the City receives as its share of sales taxes is a key source of funding City services. Union City has several different retail categories in which the local household spending demand exceeds the existing retail sales (often referenced as “sales leakage”): apparel and shoes, general merchandise, florists, jewelry, furniture and home furnishings, used merchandise, new and used cars, and gasoline service stations. Over half of the estimated sales tax leakage in Union City occurs Jobs/Housing Imbalance. A balance of jobs and housing can due to the lack of automobile and help reduce commuting and, in the case of communities that are other vehicle dealerships. Because housing heavy, improve local economic conditions by increasing of regional competition and the the tax base which funds municipal services. Employees need for large tracts of land that are I also tend to buy retail items and food in the City where visible from the highway, attracting they work, which increases sales tax revenues and also helps auto dealerships will be challenging. support higher end restaurants that could not otherwise survive For general merchandise stores, on dinner trade alone. In 2002 Union City had a jobs/housing Union City has existing stores in the ratio of 1.03, which climbed to 1.09 by 2008 when the city had department/discount 22,265 jobs and 20,480 housing units. However, with more store (including recent job declines the jobs/housing ratio is back down to about Walmart and 1.0 (2014). The preferred ratio for Union City should reflect the Macy’s the number of workers per household, which is 1.6. The overall clearance number of jobs to housing is only one part of the jobs/housing center) and issue. dollar/variety The types of jobs available in a community are also important store categories, to a healthy jobs/housing balance. Union City has an estimated while it lacks any 21,240 jobs and 35,300 employed residents in 2014, resulting warehouse club stores. The in a net outflow of 14,000 commuters. In 2011, the most recent leakage is driven by the warehouse year for which detailed commute data are available, of 34,000 store category , surrounding workers living in Union City about 31,252 out-commuted and communities already have warehouse 17,444 workers from other cities commuted into Union City. club stores, which potentially limits About 63 percent of Union City’s labor force out-commutes to the attraction potential for Union work in service industries, such as information, professional and City. scientific services, finance, educational services, health care, and accommodation and food services. Of these out-commuters, over half earned more than $40,000/year. Compared to the out- commuters, Union City’s in-commuters are more likely to work in the manufacturing and trade sectors, which includes both retail trade and wholesale trade/distribution businesses, (at 61 percent compared to 37 percent). These in-commuters also tend to earn lower wages with only 33 percent earning more than $40,000/year.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 11 Low General Fund Revenue. leakage discussed above, as well Lack of Upscale Homes. Union City has relatively as the lower wages of Union City From an economic I low General Fund revenue residents. As a result, a certain development perspective, I per capita compared to amount of revenues generated it is important to provide a mix many other cities in the from non-residential sectors of housing options, not East Bay. This is due in part to subsidizes residential services. only workforce the city’s higher levels of older In addition, the voters of the city housing but residential development compared have adopted several measures also executive to commercial and industrial to supplement City revenues, housing for development. Similar to most including sales tax Measure AA company cities in California, Union City and parcel tax Measure UU. managers and residential neighborhoods The City also approved several entrepreneurs, require nearly 25 percent more Community Facilities Districts which may start at in City service expenditures than to assess special taxes to fund $1.5 million per unit. they generate in City revenues. police, fire, and recreation services This increases the competitiveness Conversely, nonresidential uses for major developments. While of a city to attract new companies. generate over twice as much Measure AA and UU have helped Homes that are more expensive revenue compared to their service ensure the City operates a balanced can generate higher property taxes. costs. In addition, Union City budget, the funds are subject to re- And, higher income households has relatively low taxable sales authorization by the voters so there create additional retail development levels per capita compared to is no guarantee these revenues will opportunities that increase sales many other cities in the region, be in place in the future. tax for the City and help attract which reflects the retail sales shoppers from around the region.

Office Space. Union City has a significantly lower Projected market demand will continue to outpace office vacancy rate (6.3 percent) compared to the supply in the near future, once existing spaces are East Bay (11.6 percent) and the national market (11 absorbed. In addition, employment growth is projected percent). The citywide median sales price for office in business sectors that occupy office space, including buildings is also high at $230/square foot compared professional and technical services, business services, to the rest of the East Bay. The City’s low and health care. These sectors offer jobs vacancy rate, comparable asking rent, with relatively high wages. Finally, given coupled with a low office cap rate of 5.9 Union City’s projected warehouse and percent, suggests a healthy office industrial growth, office demand is market. Detailed examination projected to continue to grow steadily O of specific office classes shows over the next five years to support stronger market support for these industry sectors. These factors mid-tiered Class B/C property types will lead to demand for more office compared to Class A properties, which development. With low office inventory typically house tech companies that have along the I-880 corridor and moderate favored areas south of San Francisco and office absorption, the potential of Union San Jose. However, rising rents in these areas City to meet future office demand will be based will increase demand for Class A space in other parts on re-use of existing building stock or having enough of the Bay Area. This may provide opportunities for land available for office development. The City can Union City to eventually capture tech-focused tenants capitalize on this demand by maintaining a sufficient and support Class A office development, in addition to inventory of available land for office space. the current demand for Class B/C office products.

12 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com High-tech Industries. Substantial employment growth is projected for economic base industries in O San Francisco and San Mateo Counties, particularly in technology sectors. Rapid expansion of key technology sectors has created peak demand for land and buildings in major job centers and raised real estate prices and leases. Manufacturing, distribution, and business services firms have been particularly vulnerable to recent increases in real estate prices and leases. Union City has had some success attracting industries from the Peninsula that have been unable to find expansion space near their current facilities. Union City can benefit as a spill-over location for these businesses, but they tend to need modern facilities, which the city currently lacks. The City can capitalize on this demand by maintaining a sufficient inventory of available land for high-tech industries and research and development, and by working with existing owners of obsolete building stock to upgrade their buildings to meet the demands of these industries.

Industrial Growth. Along the additions to the industrial space most prominent growth industries. I-80/I-880 corridor, light industrial supply there is limited availability The leading target industries in the vacancy rates are decreasing and of industrial space. The market region will generate an estimated asking lease rates have remained is in a position to support more 2,000 new jobs in Union City stable. Warehouse/distribution industrial development due to the through 2024, with beverage facilities have also experienced projected demand for industrial manufacturing and wholesaling decreasing vacancy rates and space, and businesses currently among the most prominent growth increasing asking rent. For R&D/ buying or leasing industrial space industries. The City can capitalize Flex space, the asking rent has in the East Bay are paying a on this demand by maintaining remained steady and vacancy premium due to limited supply and a sufficient inventory of available O rates have remained relatively high demand. The leading target land for manufacturing and high compared to light industrial industries in Alameda County are warehousing, and by working with and warehouse/distribution. projected to create 3,100 jobs over existing owners of obsolete building Overall, the industrial market the next ten years. In addition to stock to upgrade their buildings in the East Bay currently (2014) manufacturing and wholesale trade, to meet the demands of these enjoys historically low vacancy manufacturing in electrical lighting industries. rates, which tends to increase and instruments, and computer demand, but even with recent systems services rank among the

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 13 Land Use L and Housing

Most of Union City is developed and there are limited opportunities for the city to grow. An important General Plan consideration is whether the remaining capacity for new development in the city can accommodate projected growth over the term of the General Plan (i.e., through 2040). This process can help highlight needs for new and different land uses, or focus on areas to redevelop or reuse. Land use information is also important because it can be used to develop solutions for natural resource management and help avoid conflicts among different uses. It helps define how the City will designate remaining vacant land for new development or allocates resources towards Focus Areas that offer unique development opportunities.

Station District. The Station District surrounds of Station Center, which is a new 157-unit affordable, A the Union City BART station and was designed mixed-use, LEED Platinum housing development; to function as Union City’s town center. construction of new community facilities In collaboration with nine public agencies including a new public plaza and public and extensive citizen input in the late promenade, and improvements to nineties, the City formed the vision for the BART station including the the Union City Station District, which development of a free pass-through to included transformation of the BART connect the east and west sides of the station into a multi-modal station BART station, which is currently under that accommodated passenger rail construction. Station Center won the surrounded by high-density housing prestigious 2013 Urban Land Institute and commercial uses, job centers, (ULI) Global Award for Excellence and community facilities on 105 acres and Congress for the New Urbanism of formerly vacant and environmentally- 2014 Grand Prize. While the now-dissolved contaminated lands. This area later became the City’s Redevelopment Agency was a critical component Priority Development Area (PDA) associated with the in the transformation of this area, the City continues to Plan Bay Area efforts. Since 2010, the Station District work with its partners to develop the Station District into has undergone much change including: construction a robust, mixed-use, transit-oriented community.

14 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Regional Location. Union City residents A agree that the city is ideally situated in the Bay Area. Union City is a hub for commerce with easy access to other parts of the region and beyond via BART, major highways (I-880 and SR 84), and international airports (Oak- land and San Francisco). Union City is a stra- tegic location for businesses. It provides quick commutes and convenient access to BART. Union City is located near major colleges/ universities and labs, including Cal State East Bay, San Jose State University, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. Its proximity to Silicon Valley and the Peninsula makes it attractive to com- muters, businesses, and industry. Union City is also located near several regional parks and recreational opportunities, including Coyote Hills Park, Quarry Lakes, and the Alameda Creek trail.

Shopping Centers. Union City has three major shopping centers that provide goods and services to residents and A are a regional draw and several smaller commercial centers that provide local retail and service needs. Union Landing, the largest shopping center in the city, is located just west of I-880 between the Alvarado-Niles Road and Whipple Road / Dyer Street interchanges. Union Landing has a mix of big-box retailers, including WalMart, Best Buy, and Lowe’s, a 25-screen movie theater, and a mix of smaller strip commercial uses. The Four Corners shopping area, located at the intersection of Alvarado Boulevard and Dyer Street, serves as a community shopping center for the west side of Union City. This shopping area is anchored by two ethnic grocery stores and several smaller retail establishments that cater to the area’s diverse population. The El Mercado and Marketplace shopping centers, located at the corner of Alvarado-Niles Road and Decoto Road, primarily serve the east side of town. The El Mercado shopping center is also anchored by an ethnic grocery store. Located among residential neighborhoods, the Four Corners shopping area and the El Mercado shopping center provide neighborhood and community- serving retail, services, and restaurants. Other shopping options include small strip commercial centers scattered throughout the city that include a variety of retail, service, and restaurant uses. Residents note that they have a variety of shopping choices, but also indicate that many shopping centers within the City show signs of age and neglect. April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 15 Challenges to Infill, Reuse, and Redevelopment. Infill, reuse, and redevelopment I are all viable options to accommodate new growth and development in Union City. These types of development can re-energize neighborhoods, improve existing urban areas, and jump-start economic activity. However, they also pose unique challenges that can increase the cost of development when compared to greenfield development. Infill and redevelopment tends to require higher costs for developers, include acquiring and assembling smaller parcels of land, removing existing structures, improving older infrastructures, and testing for and cleaning up of environmental contamination. This has become even more difficult in California since the State dissolution of redevelopment Constrained City Boundaries. Union City is bordered by the cities agencies, which had been used by cities Cities accommodate growth in of Hayward and Fremont to the to help developers acquire land and three ways: infill development, north and south, respectively, the finance infill, redevelopment, and reuse development on the city edges, protected Hillside Area to the east, projects. or annexation of unincorporated and sensitive baylands and the San While infill, reuse, and redevelopment undeveloped areas. Infill Francisco Bay to the west. Because can be challenging, Union City does development occurs on land that of these constraints, Union City have successful examples of these is within a city boundary and cannot annex new areas to expand types of development. One example is surrounded on one or more its borders to the north, south, is in the greater Station District area, sides by existing development. and west. While the Hillside Area where hundreds of new housing units Development on the city edges is undeveloped and within the have been built, and hundreds more extends the existing urban area limits of the City, all areas east of are planned, on more than 80 acres of to the city limits. Expansion Mission Boulevard are protected previously contaminated underutilized into undeveloped areas by the Hillside Area Plan, which land that once included a steel plant occurs when a city was adopted by the voters in 1989 and other industrial uses. The City I annexes unincorporated and requires a vote of the people also recently approved a project that land into its boundary. to modify it. Voters reaffirmed the redeveloped a former elementary school Annexation typically results in development limitations set forth in site with 45 single-family. With limited development of agricultural or the Hillside Area Plan in 2014 when vacant land, much of the development open space lands and is typically they denied Measure KK, which that will occur in the future will require referred to as “greenfield would have allowed development creative reuse and redevelopment of development.” in limited areas immediately west existing space. Residents have noted of Mission Boulevard. This leaves that the City should encourage reuse infill within the urbanized areas of of vacant or obsolete warehouses and the city east of Mission Boulevard industrial buildings for other purposes, as the City’s only option for such as high-tech centers or office accommodating future growth and spaces. development.

16 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Overcrowded Housing. Aging Housing Stock. Aging Population. Many The U.S. Census defines an Generally, housing units communities will be facing I overcrowded unit as one I less than 35 years old will I a housing challenge in the occupied by 1.01 persons or require minimal repairs and future as the largest generation more per room (excluding bathrooms improvements and units over 55 of Americans move into their senior and kitchens). Overcrowding years old are more likely to require and elderly years, living longer than increases health and safety concerns major rehabilitation such as roofing, previous generations. About 23 and stresses the condition of the plumbing, and electrical system percent of Union City’s population housing stock and infrastructure. repairs. While the architectural is 55 years or older. Over the next Overcrowding is strongly related to characteristics of older homes and two decades, these residents will household size, particularly for large historical landmarks contributes become seniors and elderly. About households and the availability of to community character, without 11.1 percent are over the age of 65 suitably-sized housing. Overcrowding proper maintenance the structures and will become elderly in coming impacts both owners and renters; can cause several issues. Older homes years. Housing prices are increasing, however, renters are generally require more building inspection but incomes of these groups are not more significantly impacted. While and code enforcement efforts, which keeping pace. Many seniors want family size and tenure are critical require City resources. They also to age in place (i.e., remain in their determinants in overcrowding, require more upkeep, or renovation/ current homes), but often live in household income also plays a strong remodeling prior to sale or purchase. car-dependent neighborhoods with role in the incidence of overcrowding. Because Union City’s housing stock limited access to public transit. Many As a general rule, overcrowding levels is relatively young, most of the seniors also live in homes that are tend to decrease as income rises, housing is in good condition. An oversized, expensive to maintain, and especially for renters. In Union City estimated 61 percent of housing not suited for the unique accessibility overcrowding is typically more of a units in the city are over 35 years needs they may eventually require. problem in rental units than owner old and 7 percent are over 55 years Finally, other seniors and elderly units. About 14.6 percent of renter- old. The City’s older housing stock residents may need to move in with occupied households in Union City (i.e., over 55 years old) tends to be their children in order to receive were overcrowded, in comparison concentrated in the Decoto and Old proper care. For many communities to 3.9 percent of owner-occupied Alvarado neighborhoods, since these there is a lack of affordable, properly- households. The rate of overcrowding neighborhoods were first settled in sized, physically accessible, and well- for renter-occupied households the mid-nineteenth century. The located homes that meet the needs (14.6 percent) is higher than the City’s rehabilitation program has of an aging population. In addition, countywide rate (8.5 percent) and been enormously successful for many communities lack housing slightly higher than the state as a many households in particular and units that can accommodate multi- whole (12.3 percent). for the community as a whole. Since generational households, which could its inception in 1976, the City has lead to overcrowding. rehabilitated over 900 homes. As time goes on, however, more housing units will age and may require additional maintenance and investment.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 17 Limited Land for New Development. As discussed above, Union City’s constrained boundaries require the City to consider other options to accommodate future growth and development. These options include development of vacant infill sites, reuse of existing structures, or redevelopment of existing underutilized sites. Union City has only 188.8 acres of vacant land, or 1.5 percent of the city’s total area, available for infill development and many of these vacant sites are spread throughout the city. The only large parcels of vacant land are in and around the Station District. ABAG projects that by 2040 Union City will add an additional 12,984 people and 3,217 households. Similarly, ABAG projects Union City will add O 3,710 jobs by 2040, and the City is actively pursuing economic development initiatives that will spur development of non-residential uses. In order for the City to meet its economic development goals and provide opportunities for new housing, it will need to think strategically about how it designates remaining vacant sites for new development.

18 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Infill, Reuse, and Redevelopment Potential. Union City has many vacant and underutilized O parcels that could be developed or redeveloped, particularly within the city’s focus areas. These parcels represent opportunities to intensify employment, residential, and retail uses, and strengthen the community’s emerging core (i.e., the Greater Station District Area). Despite the challenges to making infill, reuse, and redevelopment financially feasible, new trends are pointing toward an increase in demand for infill development. Changing demographics are creating a market for urban infill development that meets the needs of young adults and a growing senior population. Employers are following this trend and many are looking to infill locations when locating new businesses in part to be closer to where their employees want to live. These trends are giving developers incentive to find solutions to the potential barriers to infill and redevelopment. Local governments can further assist by changing the regulatory environment to encourage infill and by supporting or partnering developers who use existing infrastructure, and clean up or repurpose contaminated and neglected sites.

Implementing Plan Bay Area. Plan Bay Area is an integrated long-range transportation and land O use/housing plan for the San Francisco Bay Area prepared by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Association of Bay Area Governments. This Plan includes a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), which coordinates land use, housing, and transportation for the nine-county Bay Area region. The primary goal of the SCS is to plan regional growth in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light-duty trucks by reducing vehicle miles traveled. To this end, Plan Bay Area directs the majority of the regional housing growth to local priority development areas (PDAs). Union City’s Intermodal Station District is one such PDA. Between 2010 and 2040, Plan Bay Area projects that the Station District will see a 14 percent increase in housing units and 25 percent increase in employment. Plan Bay Area does not regulate development, but Union City’s Intermodal Station District PDA is eligible for transportation funds that support and encourage residential and commercial development within the PDA boundaries. Projects within the PDA that are consistent with Plan Bay Area are also eligible for CEQA streamlining benefits that can help reduce the cost of development.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 19 Community Character C and Design

Union City has evolved from two small historic settlements into a single cohesive community. An im- portant aspect of a community’s growth is its physical character and how this structure can contribute positively to the community’s identity and support a strong economic base. Through community de- sign, the City can build an urban fabric that strengthens its assets and strives to bring coherence and identity to Union City. The character of neighborhoods and centers, the design elements of buildings and public spaces, and role of scenic open space contribute to a sense of home for residents and a sense of place for visitors.

Historic Centers/Neighborhoods. The historic Decoto and Alvarado neighborhoods represent unique historic resources in Union City that contribute diversity to the city’s form. According to the A Office of Historic Preservation, three resources within Union City are listed as Points of Interest or as California Historical Landmarks, including: Alvarado School, the site of the first County courthouse, and the site of the nation’s first successful sugar beet factory. The City has recognized the value of these neighborhoods and historic resources by adopting preservation ordinances and design guidelines, and by taking steps to protect these areas from development that might diminish their historic character. Building design and development patterns that complement the historic fabric of these districts can help protect the city’s heritage and provide examples of neighborhoods whose scale and patterns support pedestrian activity. Residents agree that it is essential that Union City preserve these resources for future generations. Residents want to make the old town more of a town center or a tourist attraction.

20 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Scenic Open Space Areas. Union City is framed the salt marshes of San Francisco Bay, by a unique set of natural open space resources, including the 5,040-acre Eden Landing including the foothills of the Coastal Range to Ecological Reserve. However, as a result A the east (i.e., Hillside Area), the marshlands of of its physical separation from the rest of San Francisco Bay to the west, and Alameda the city, the Reserve is generally underutilized Creek to the south. The Alameda and underappreciated by the public. Union County Countywide Scenic Route City also has a number of creek corridors Element designates several within the city limits that flow through roadways within Union City the urban areas, the largest of which as scenic, including Mission is Alameda Creek, which flows Boulevard, Niles Canyon from Niles Canyon to the Bay, Road and Palomares Road. defining much of the city’s southern Past development has not boundary. All of these channels have always taken advantage of been engineered to enhance flood these resources as either visual control, so their scenic characteristics amenities or recreational open have been compromised (e.g., limited space; however, they remain a unique vegetation, lack of natural meanders). asset that distinguishes Union City from other Also, adjoining development patterns generally East Bay cities, especially concerning the Hillside have residential properties backing onto these Area that is nearly devoid of development. channels, so visual access to the general public is The western boundary of the city is framed by typically limited to bridge crossings.

Unclear City Gateways. Union City lacks clear and established gateways as travelers enter the city. It is essential to have an inviting and well-designed gateway to encourage visitors and to let people know that they have arrived in Union City. Gateways give the first impression that visitors have when entering the city. They help define how residents feel when returning home. Gateways help people feel welcome and can help direct them where to go for information or how to get to the business district, shopping centers, or other local attraction. An easily identified and welcoming gateway to Union City will encourage tourism and provide a sense of “we’re home” I for residents.

Lack of Neighborhood Dyer Street demonstrating the the automobile in mind are Linkages. The majority I influence of the automobile on not typically amenable to of Union City’s residential the siting of commercial uses biking or walking nor do they neighborhoods are clustered within the City. In addition, meet the needs of people of all with commercial and services it demonstrates the desire of ages and abilities. In addition, uses provided in key nodes. residents at the time these they contain a series of larger, The location of these nodes is neighborhoods developed to disconnected residential typically at the intersections of be separated from major City neighborhoods where some larger streets such as Alvarado- thoroughfares and to discourage residents feel that they are too far Niles Road and Decoto Road through traffic. However, to walk or bike to commercial or Alvarado Boulevard and areas that are designed with areas or school.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 21 Lack of Complete in the post-WWII era. These Lack of a Central Core. Union City Neighborhoods. Complete neighborhoods were designed does not have a clear central core neighborhoods provide safe to discourage through traffic or “downtown” that serves as the and convenient access to a by including numerous loop primary location for the community’s variety of housing options, roads and cul-de-sacs, and civic and social activities. This I grocery stores and other limiting the number of streets is primarily due to the fact that commercial services, quality in and out of subdivisions. The when Union City incorporated public schools, public open city’s postwar subdivisions two distinct areas, which were the spaces and recreational generally face away from Alvarado and Decoto townships. facilities, affordable active major roadways with walls and These neighborhoods developed in transportation options, and fences, particularly in areas the mid-nineteenth century. At civic amenities. An important that were built in the 1980s and the time they developed, they element of a complete 1990s. The result is that today I were self-sufficient with their neighborhood is that it is built Union City is characterized by own housing, stores and services at a walkable and bikeable a series of residential enclaves typically in a focused corridor. In human scale, and meets the that are largely disconnected. the Alvarado District, this was Smith needs of people of all ages This disconnected development Street and in the Decoto District and abilities. Union City has has encouraged dependence this was 6th Street. Over the years, developed incrementally on the automobile and led to these historic commercial centers and without an overall the reliance on the three main have been either redeveloped or have urban design structure, commercial centers. More seen a reduction in the number of leading to a lack of complete recent development progress, successful commercial businesses neighborhoods. With the particularly in the Station most likely do to the construction exception of the Alvarado District, has included higher- of nearby shopping centers such as and Decoto neighborhoods, density multifamily housing Union Landing, which offers a variety which were initiated in the and mixed-use development. of dining and shopping options. 19th Century, Union City’s Yet, the city still lacks a strong Community centers, churches residential neighborhoods city center and complete and school facilities provide the are predominantly uniform neighborhoods. social gathering places in-lieu of low-density subdivisions built a downtown. The City is working towards creating a town center at the Station District, and to transition the city’s other commercial centers into Auto-Oriented Urban Form. The impact of Union more vibrant, mixed-use centers that City’s urban form is strongly automobile-oriented, due I serve as neighborhood gathering to a combination of factors, including barriers created by places. automobile, rail, and creek corridors and development patterns that favor non-through streets. Residential neighborhoods tend to be inwardly oriented, with few connections to adjoining areas, and shopping areas are designed to facilitate automobile access. Further complicating the city’s connectivity issues is the fact that the I-880 freeway bisects the community north- south, with only two freeway overpass crossings, at Whipple Road and Alvarado-Niles Road. The result is that getting around the city in anything but a car can be challenging.

22 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Promote Connectivity and Walkability. Union City’s street network is supplemented with an extensive network of trails and pedestrian pathways that help facilitate pedestrian and bicycle circulation. These trails/pathways, O many of which follow the city’s creeks, traverse the community, providing connections between destinations such as parks, schools, commercial centers, and areas of employment. According to the Bicycle Master Plan (2012), there are nearly 24 miles of bike paths and dedicated bike lanes in Union City, made up of approximately 7 miles of Class I bike paths and 17 miles of Class II and Class III bike paths. However, according to the 2008-2012 ACS, only 1.2 percent of Union City residents walked and 0.2 percent rode a bicycle to work. These figures are much lower than walking and bicycling rates for Alameda County, as 3.8 percent of county residents walk to work and 1.7 percent of county residents ride a bicycle to work. The underlying form of the city is not expected to significantly change. New development should contribute to the creation of a more walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly community to help knit new and existing neighborhoods and commercial nodes together; reduce traffic congestion, vehicle miles traveled, and greenhouse gas emissions; and enhance economic vitality and community pride. Residents want more safe and secure facilities that include adequate lighting, directional signage, striping, and call boxes, on trails to encourage people to use the facilities. In addition, residents want the City to fill in gaps in the bicycle and pedestrian network and sidewalks to be made handicap-accessible.

Create City Centers and Nodes. The Engage the Public Realm. Recognize Historic Resources. City has the opportunity to address A well-designed public O Given the prevalence of Post- the community’s need for mixed-use realm balances the needs of World War II development in centers or nodes where business, all users while contributing to a sense Union City, the historic Decoto and entertainment, and social interaction of place. The public realm primarily Alvarado neighborhoods represent combine to create attractive consists of the streets, pedestrian unique resources that contribute destinations and hubs of community ways, bikeways, bridges, plazas, diversity to the city’s form. These activity. The Station District and the nodes, squares, transportation hubs, areas pre-date the predominant commercial centers at Alvarado- gateways, parks, waterfronts, natural influence of the automobile on the Niles and Decoto Roads represent features, view corridors, landmarks, city. The City has recognized the the largest, and perhaps best, building interfaces, and other open value of these neighborhoods by opportunity to create a significant spaces that comprise the focal points adopting preservation ordinances community center. The mix of the urban framework. It is the main and design guidelines, and taking of transit, retail, office, and space where civic interaction occurs steps to protect these areas from residential uses, recent public and acts as an important aspect of the development that might diminish O space improvements, and built environment that helps to give a their historic character. Continued planned redevelopment and city its identity. In Union City, existing preservation of the existing station improvements provides all the development either faces away from architecture and development ingredients to transform the area into public streets or is separated from the patterns that complement the a dynamic town center. Similarly, the public realm with deep setbacks and historic fabric of these districts will Old Alvarado and Mission Boulevard expansive surface parking lots. As a help protect the city’s heritage and focus areas represent important result, these public spaces typically provide examples of neighborhoods opportunities to create active have very little pedestrian activity. New whose scale and patterns support neighborhood nodes that will enhance development may engage the public pedestrian activity. Residents agree and reinvigorate these historic realm by orienting buildings closer to that it is essential that Union City neighborhoods. These nodes could the street and reducing the presence of preserve these resources differ in their size and mix of uses, but parking to provide the opportunity to for future generations. could create attractive, pedestrian- create lively, pedestrian-friendly centers The city could make the O oriented districts with a mix of uses that can thrive as commercial nodes Alvarado District more of that provide both nighttime and that serve as gathering spaces for the a tourist destination. daytime activity and include public community. spaces where people can gather and interact. April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 23 Transportation T and Mobility

Union City is well-connected to the Bay Area and surrounding regions with an extensive transportation system, managed and operated by several agencies, including Union City Transit, Bay Area Rapid Transit, and Amtrak. The city also has an extensive network of bike and pedestrian trails and facilities. However transportation issues, such as congestion and a lack of east-to-west connections, can impede the movement of people, goods, and services, which in turn affects the local economy and residents quality of life. Addressing transportation issues and focusing on enhancing the mobility opportunities, such as the BART extension to the south bay, can further the city’s competitiveness as a place to establish businesses and community in which to raise a family or age in place.

Union City Intermodal Station. The Union City Intermodal Station provides access to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Alameda-Contra Costa Transit (AC Transit), and Union City Transit (UC Transit) service. A The station serves as a centralized access point for bus and rail transit services to both local and regional destinations. Union City is evaluating the potential for expansion of services at the station to include Amtrak, ACE train, and the future Dumbarton Rail. This could further increase transportation options for the community.

UC/AC Transit System. BART Service. BART offers a direct Almost 80 percent of BART sta- UC Transit and AC Transit connection from Union City to the tion users are commuting to work A operate bus service con- Bay Area and other rail service, and 66 percent use BART five days necting Union City internally and including Amtrak, ACE train, a week. Two lines serve Union throughout the region. Together and Caltrain. An estimated City: the Fremont–Richmond these two systems provide residents 23 percent of those who used A orange line and the Fremont–Daly and workers in the city transporta- the Union City BART station City/Milbrae green line. During tion options to serve their local or indicated that they could have made weekday peak hours, the orange regional travel needs. UC Transit the same trip using a car, truck, or and green lines provide service in provides local bus service, while AC motorcycle. On an average weekday, 15-minute headways, which results Transit provides regional service about 4,000 people use the Union in train service six to nine minutes throughout the county. City BART station and almost half apart. of those are Union City residents.

24 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com FIGURE 5-3: EXISTING AND PROPOSED BICYCLE NETWORK Union City Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

STRATFORD

INDUSTRIAL PACHECO Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1

GARIN/DRY CREEK MISSION BLVD EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS DISTRICT FABER ST CITY OF PALMETTO DR I-880 HAYWARD

8 33 BASSWOOD AVE

PULASKI DR MOCCASIN ST TEDDY DR

KOHOUTEK WAY

ITHACA ST TAMARACK DR

AHERN ST

AHERN AVE 44 PROPOSED DYER STREET EXTENSION 46 WHIPPLE RD LYNCH WAY 11 WHIPPLE RD 11 VALIANT WAY

RAILROAD AVE 7TH ST 19 A ST 15 CREST LN

AMARAL ST Roadway Congestion. B ST 35 WHITEHALL LN LISTON WAY 2ND ST C ST 3RD ST DEVONSHIRE ST 5TH ST E ST 6TH ST 9TH ST

SHIELDDR ATLANTIC ST PECAN ST 36 D ST 7TH ST 4TH ST CLAREMONT ST G ST

RATEKIN DR BECKET DR

ASCOT WAY 8TH ST MEDALLION DR There are two main causes CARR WAY TRANSIT 2

BALMORAL ST TARA CT TIDEWATER DR CENTER APTOS CT REGAL DR 36 LEWIS ST 19 VARGAS PLATEAU

ALMADEN BLVD 27 D ST CLAREMONT PL MIRABELLA DR 26 F ST

MIRABELLA DR OYSTER CT

BETTENCOURT WAY WATKINS CT Union City COURTHOUSE PL 6 WAINWRIGHT CT 25 26 Sports Center TRANSITAVE of roadway congestion BARRONS WAY WINCHESTER DR 24 WESTERNAVE 39

CENTRALAVE 10TH ST 18

DOWEAVE 7TH ST APPIAN WAY G ST DEPOT RD RANDALL CT MYR 11TH ST SMITH ST LONDON CT DR KITAYAMA PURDUE CT 26 DERBY ST 14TH ST TLE

VALLEJO ST 3 LN I

WATKINS ST 21 HORNER ST 14 PACIFIC ST 39 TREFRY CT G ST 13TH ST 12TH ST DECOTO RD BRIER ST 15TH S in Union City: barriers to

FREDIST

BENSON RD VARNI PL 4 KIMBERLY ST SAN PEDRO CT ERIC CT COLGATE DR T WILLOW LN KIMBERLY CT 21 I ST 21 REMORA DR J ST 52 BRENDA WAY 29 MINTURN CT 31 DARTMOUTH AVE SAN MARCO CT BRADFORD WAY BOLINA DR 14 VEASY ST VEASY OLNEY CT O VENETO AVE SHOREBIRD DR J ST 7TH ST 45 PICKEREL DR GALLIANWAY DAWN CIR IOWA AVE LILY ST MEDALLION DR NOAH DR QUAIL DR HORATIO CT ALVARADO NILES RD C H connectivity and insufficient road BERGERWAY E E CONDOR DR S 5 V DALTON WAY TA E SHOREBIRD DR 38 SINSBURY WAY BAYLOR ST T S POMPONI ST HOP RANCH RD HARTNELL ST IO

N W

HOPRANCH RD W

FREDI ST A A

Y 20 Y 45 51 REMINGTON DR TULANE ST CASTILLE CT H ST CITY OF PIKE PL CORMORANT CT KILLDEER CT ARIZONA ST BART MARSH HAWK RD 11TH ST HAYWARD ALVARADO BLVD DOWE AVE WASHINGTON AVE SAN ANDREAS DR 18 MACKINAW ST MONTEVIDEO CT FAIR RANCH RD capacity. Major barriers such as 51 MALLARD CT GREEN ST MEYERS DR GREGORY WAY

MARLIN CT LUPE 48CT 9 SQ UNION OREGON ST ARIZONA ST 23 HERITAGE WAY

43 KINGS COVE CT ALLISON DR 28 NEVADA ST METEOR DR 40

PROPOSEDTRAIL SF BAY 10 GALAXY DR

LISA DR HILTON ST Interstate 880 and the Union Pacific

GEMINI DR SKYLARK DR

CABELLO ST DARCELLE DR PERRY RD

UNION CITY BLVD 48 ASHWOOD CT 28 SPRINGWOOD DR 7 DYER ST DRYWOOD CT 28 STARLING DR WINDSOR CT

LIGHTHOUSE WAY WOODLAND DR JANAE CT EARLY RIVERS PL 53 BING CT MUIRWOOD DR 49 and BART railroad tracks divide PTARMIGAN CT 53 CHERRYWOOD DR HANFORD ST MANN AVE GUSTINE ST DEBORAH CT 37 MORELLO CT KENNEDYROBERTS AVE ST CARMEL WAY DARCELLE CT REGENTS BLVD 42 GOSHEN ST JEAN DR ROCHELLE DR GILROY CT PECO ST SANDRA CT SILSBY AVE 54 50 43 41 LILAC ST GREER CT FULLERTON CT CHINOOK CT GEM AVE GARCIA ST 47 I-880 JEAN CT RUTH WAY Union City and limit east and west 32 ELLEN WAY DEL MONTE CT RIPON CT MANN AVE DARLENE WAY LAURA WAY CITY OF FELLOWS ST CLOVER ST ZINNIA CT FAIRMEAD ST HOLT ST FREMONT DYER ST DAISY CT HOLLYHOCK ST FELLOWS CT LORETTA WAYDARLENE CT CARMEN WAY DELORES DR BEGONIA ST 54 ANNETTE CT ROSE WAY JACKLYNN DR FAIRFIELD ST DAISY ST connections. This SHEILA WAY 49

OAKDALE ST LOUISE LN ROSE WAY MICHELLE WAY OAK TREE CT CARRIE CT DINUBA ST PROPOSED SF BAY TRAIL MONTEREY DR 23 SEASIDE CT CHRISTINE DR SEASIDE DR PROPOSED EAST-WEST CONNECTOR QUARRY LAKES CAPITOLA CT TAMMY CT REGIONAL PARK KORBEL ST causes east-west

DELORES DR NILAND ST 14 SCOTIA ST BLYTHE ST LEGEND

NADINE CT MONTEREY CT SHIRLEY CT Proposed Bicycle Network Signalized Intersections QUARRYCommunity LAKES Facilities BROCKWAYSOQUEL ST ST 56 Class I, II, or III Union City Sports Center traffic to funnel Intermodal Station District ANAHEIM LOOP LOWRY RD Proposed SF Bay Trail*

MCKEOWN ST Fire Station Retail Commercial Areas CORNING CT 30 Existing Bicycle Lanes COMPTON CT Library Water Bodies Existing Unpaved Trail onto a few Community Center

ALVELAIS DRFRANCO CT Local Parks EASTIN CT Existing Paved Trail Senior Center

DAVIS ST FINAL ALIGNMENT OF BAY TRAIL Regional Parks TO BE DETERMINED Rail Lines Teen Center major roads, Planned Roadways Schools Elementary 55 FINAL BRIDGE LOCATION Streams TO BE DETERMINED Junior High * ABAG interim Bay Trail connection to Fremont is via including PROPOSED SF BAY TRAIL existing Alameda Creek Trail and Ardenwood Blvd. Bridge High School ** Data compiled from 2003 MTC Regional Bike Plan, 5-7 2001 Alameda Countywide Bike Plan, and local jurisdiction data provided to MTC in 2004. Designation does not indicate presence of bicycle facilities Adult COYOTE HILLS REGIONAL PARK Alvarado- Data Sources: City of Union City, City of Fremont, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, East Bay Regional Park District, California Spatial Information Library. Map last updated February 24. 2012. A ARDENWOOD Bike Trails. With a combination Francisco Bay Trail. Such an Niles Road, of temperate weather, a growing extensive network of both local Whipple Road, bicycle culture, and a relatively and regional bike trails allows and Decoto Road. flat topography, bicycling in individuals to connect to major Roadway congestion leads to Union City is an increasingly residential and employment increased air emissions from effective transportation and centers throughout the city and idling cars, asthma problems recreation option. Union City neighboring areas. The City from the poor air quality, and has a network of about 20 miles recently updated its Pedestrian increased travel time. The City of designated bicycle facilities and Bicycle Master Plan and continues working with local and including on- and off-street included several new bike lanes, regional agencies on a new east- trails. City facilities also connect including on Whipple Road and west connector, between Mission to the regional recreational trails along the southern portion of Boulevard and Paseo Padre system, including the Alameda Union City Boulevard. These Parkway, that will provide some Creek Regional Trail, the Dry improvements will improve congestion relief. Creek Trail, Mariner Park bikeway connectivity and access Trail, the William Cann Civic for residents and workers of Disconnected Bicycle Facilities/ Center Park Trail, and the San Union City. Routes. Although Union City has a bikeway network of about 20 miles of bike I Lack of an Amtrak Station or paths, bike lanes, and bike ACE Train Stop. City residents routes, many segments of the have to travel to Fremont or network are not continuous (e.g., Hayward for Amtrak and ACE Whipple Road, Union City Boule- Train services. While BART, vard). The City recently updated its Amtrak, and ACE Train all travel Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan through Union City, BART is the to identify additional funding needs only one that stops in the city. It for bicycle facilities, including those has always been a long-term goal that lack connectivity and adequate to bring passenger rail service to infrastructure. Increased funding Union City. to better connect bike facilities is essential to increasing bicycle use. I April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 25 BART Station access from parking. The BART Station is a high pedestrian activity area, but is only I directly accessible by foot from the west side of the station. People walking from the east side, where additional parking is located, must walk around the tracks and station along Decoto Road. This is particularly troublesome for seniors and persons with disabilities who have more difficulty walking. To resolve this issue, the City is constructing a new east entrance to the BART station.

BART extension. BART VMT-based Traffic Impact Evaluation. Vehicle Miles Traveled is extending rail service (VMT)-based traffic impact evaluation estimates a project’s effects from its current terminus on overall travel, rather than just focusing on the level of service in Fremont to the south (LOS) on roads and at intersections. Unlike Level of Service (LOS) Bay Area. Formally known standards, which measures traffic flow and congestion, VMT is as the Silicon Valley BART a measurement of miles traveled by vehicles in a specified region Extension, this project is for a specified time period. VMT is a different way to view and a set of three phases analyze traffic impacts and does not penalize infill projects in of expansion from areas with congested roads. Evaluating traffic impacts using Fremont to downtown a VMT-based model does not penalize new development O San Jose and Santa O projects in areas where poor traffic conditions already exist Clara. The extension is and avoids requiring project developers to contribute significant projected to be completed amounts of resources to help mitigate traffic conditions. VMT in 2018. This extension will traffic impact evaluation rewards projects that have a lower VMT increase access to San Jose as these are the projects that are more walkable and bikeable, and other south Bay Area built closer to employment centers and community facilities, and communities, as well as to provide transportation options. Using VMT-based traffic impact Caltrain. evaluations supports the City’s efforts to facilitate infill development and increase density and intensity of uses in the vicinity of the Station District. There are also efforts underway at the State level to use a VMT-based traffic impact rather than LOS to evaluate the environmental impacts of projects.

26 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Complete Streets. In 2012 the East-West Connector. The Dedicated Bicycle Facilities. City Council adopted a Complete Alameda County Transit Authority Dedicated bicycle facilities Streets Policy that expresses the is planning to build the East-West are a form of bicycle City’s commitment to creating Connector on the eastern side infrastructure consisting O O and maintaining streets that of the city near the Union City/ of marked lanes or paths provide safe and convenient Fremont city limits. The project separated from vehicle traffic. travel through an integrated includes construction of a new Dedicated bicycle facilities provide transportation network that serves four-lane roadway that will extend a safer biking experience by pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with from Mission Boulevard to Paseo separating vehicles and bicycles. disabilities, motorists, movers of Padre Parkway and minor upgrades This separation reduces bicycle and commercial goods, transit, seniors, to the remaining road alignment automobile conflicts. Overpasses and youth. Roadways in a network along portions of Paseo Padre and other busy roads, such as of Complete Streets enable people Parkway and Decoto Road to the Alvarado Boulevard and Decoto to safely move around by car, freeway overpass. The new roadway Road can be challenging for bike, transit, or foot. A complete in Union City will have grade bicyclists navigating heavy traffic streets network creates a safer separations at the two railroad and could benefit from dedicated environment for all users regardless tracks and BART tracks. The bicycle facilities where the right-of- of the individual or transportation new roadway will relieve way would allow for them. method, and fosters the use of congestion on Decoto biking, walking, and public transit, Road and provide regional as well as efficient and safe driving. access to the Greater O Station District and Union City BART.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 27 Infrastructure I and Services

Infrastructure includes the the facilities and systems serving Union City residents and businesses. These can include water supply, wastewater services, broadband technology, and an array of services for youth, families, and seniors. Public facilities and services are also important because they are an essential backbone for the city’s economy. They ensure that existing and new businesses are able to operate efficiently. New infrastructure and service delivery techniques, such as green infrastructure, are changing the way facilities and services are provided by protecting the environment and enhancing the living conditions of residents.

Shared Municipal Services. Union City receives City officials entered into a contractual A utility services through contractual agreements that agreement with ACFD to provide fire provide residents and businesses with services, namely support services to the City utilizing the City’s existing water, sewer, and fire protection. Alameda County fire stations and fire personnel. Other cities that Water District (ACWD) and Union Sanitary District contract with Alameda County for fire protection (USD) are special districts that provide water and services include Dublin, San Leandro, and Newark. sewer services to the Tri-City area including Union By contracting out for services, Union City is able to City. Since these districts serve multiple jurisdictions, share the cost of management staff and other support the cost to provide these utilities is lower than what functions to reduce costs. Generally speaking, the it would be if the City provided these services. The provision of utilities and services by outside agencies ACFD provides emergency fire and medical services can reduce costs for the City and its residents and to city residents and businesses. In July 2010 Union businesses.

28 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Drought. For more than two years, California has been models; requires campuses, golf dealing with the effects of a severe drought. Following courses, cemeteries, and other the lowest snowpack ever recorded and with no end large landscapes to make to the drought in sight, California Governor Brown significant cuts in water use; I issued an Executive Order calling for actions that prohibits new homes and will save water, increase enforcement to prevent developments from irrigating wasteful water use, streamline the state’s drought with potable water unless water- response, and invest in new technologies that will efficient drip irrigation systems are make California more drought resilient. The Governor used, and bans watering of ornamental grass on public directed the State Water Resources Control Board to street medians. Over the last several years, the City implement mandatory water reductions in cities and has prioritized the removal of grass and replacement towns across California to reduce water usage by 25 with drought tolerant landscaping in City medians and percent. This includes replacing 50 million square feet other “passive” landscape areas and has installed drip of lawns throughout the state with drought tolerant irrigation where feasible. Most recently, in response to landscaping in partnership with local governments. The the Executive Order issued by Governor Brown, the City Governor’s order directs the creation of a temporary, has committed to reducing City water use further. The statewide consumer rebate program to replace old City will need to continue to work to reduce water use appliances with more water- and energy-efficient throughout the City.

Green Infrastructure. Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage O stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff is a major cause of water pollution in urban areas. This is mainly attributed to the large amount of paving and buildings in urban areas that prevent stormwater from percolating into the ground. Instead, stormwater runoff drains from the roads, roofs, and parking lots onto collection systems that discharge into nearby water bodies, carrying with it the trash, bacteria, and other pollutants from the urban landscape. Green infrastructure has the ability to treat this water by either collecting it for future use or directing it into special landscaped areas that can treat the water prior to it being discharged into the stormdrains that lead to the Bay. Green infrastructure can include: downspout disconnection; rainwater harvesting; rain gardens; planter boxes; bioswales; permeable pavements; green streets and alleys; green roofs; and urban tree canopies. The City has received State grants to install rain gardens within some of Union City’s existing roadways to capture and treat the runoff from the streets. The City is also requiring projects that include new public streets to install this type of infrastructure.

Broadband/Fiber Optic Cable Infrastructure. Low-impact Development Techniques. Low-impact Fiber Optic Cable has the capacity to transmit data at development (LID) is a land planning and engineering speeds surpassing any other broadband technology. design approach to managing stormwater runoff. The business community, specifically the growing In recent years cities and states have adopted LID technology industry, views high-speed broadband techniques and standards in an effort to reduce storm access as a necessity to conduct their business water related pollution and runoff. LID takes operations. Technology businesses looking for many forms, but in general can be thought of as O a new location may be more likely to locate in O a way to minimize or prevent concentrated flows a city if it has ready access to fiber optic cable of storm water leaving a site. LID practices allow infrastructure. Investments in a high-speed broadband stormwater to infiltrate and soak into the earth before network in the form of fiber optic cable will make the flowing onto impervious surfaces, such as concrete, city more attractive to technology firms looking for which in turn, reduces the amount of stormwater expansion or relocation opportunities. entering the runoff infrastructure. April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 29 Open Space and Resources

Enhancing open spaces and natural resources is important to the city’s natural and historic character. It preserves the natural area and setting for residents to enjoy and promotes the city as a place businesses want to locate and visitors want to come. Accessible open spaces also promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Open space reserves, trails, and local parks and green spaces allow people to gather outside the home and workplace, which fosters resident interaction and opportunities for recreation.

Hillside Areas. The topography of the undeveloped ridgelines and hillsides east of Union City provide a A dramatic contrast to the urbanized areas west of Mission Boulevard. Visible from many places within the city, particularly east of I-880, the hillside area is an important scenic resource that clearly delineates the urban edge from the open space in the city. Open space/agricultural land uses make up over half of the total existing land use categories in Union City, with 57.6 percent, or 7,147.3 acres. Most of this land is located east of Mission Boulevard in the Hillside Area. Residents identified the hillside area as an asset and want it to be preserved.

Hillside Area Plan. Through a voter initiative in 1989 which is consistent with the Hillside known as Measure B, the City prepared a plan to Area Plan. No significant regulate development in the hillside area to the east of development outside of these Mission Boulevard. The resulting plan, the Hillside areas has occurred, even Area Plan, was adopted by the City Council in though the Plan allows for 1995. In 1996, another voter initiative, Measure development of housing and A II, was adopted by the voters, which mandated other uses. In November 2014, that the plan could only be amended through a Measure KK, the Union City vote of people in a regularly scheduled election. Since Flatlands Development Initiative, the adoption of Measure B and Measure II, limited was defeated. Measure KK proposed to remove 63 development projects within the boundaries of the acres of the flatland area immediately east of Mission Hillside Area Plan have occurred on already-developed Boulevard from the Hillside Area Plan in order to allow parcels (Chapel of the Chimes cemetery, Masonic development. Homes campus, and minor single-family home projects in the Seven Hills and Tamarack neighborhoods),

30 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com City Parks. Union City has over 20 parks that range in size from mini-parks A to community parks, and contain an array of amenities from playgrounds and open lawns to community centers. The City provides about 1.69 acres per 1,000 people, not including street median, school facilities, or regional parks and open space, and an estimated 71 percent of the population is located within a walkable distance of a park. Many parks are centrally located within residential subdivisions and contribute to the character and quality of the neighborhood, such as Casa Verde Park or Harvey Community Park. Other parks, such as the historic Cesar Chavez Park in Old Alvarado, the recently constructed East Plaza east of the BART station on 11th Street, and the parkland around the civic center, serve as important community landmarks and civic gathering spaces that also contribute to a unique sense of place.

Creek Corridors. Union City has a number of Baylands/Marshes. To the west is the Bay’s creek corridors that flow through the city. The floodplain and wetlands with the salt ponds largest corridor is along Alameda Creek, which beyond. The floodplain and wetlands not only flows from Niles Canyon to the Bay defining serve as a prominent visual feature and edge much of the city’s southern boundary. These creek for the city, but also provide an important corridors are both open space and recreational ecological role for the Bay. Immediately A resources. For instance, the Alameda Creek Trail is west of the city limits is the Eden Landing a major recreational facility connecting Ecological Preserve, a 5,040-acre nature preserve Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation comprising former industrial salt ponds. Area and the east side of town While representing potentially valuable to the Bay wetlands west of visual open space, the former industrial the city. All of these channels salt ponds that immediately adjoin have been engineered to the city’s boundaries currently have enhance flood control, so limited scenic value, although this is their scenic characteristics likely to change as efforts progress to A have been compromised restore the ponds to salt marsh habitat. (e.g., limited vegetation, lack Accessibility to the area is also limited, of natural meanders). Also, given adjacent development patterns adjoining development patterns and the limited number of street and trail generally have residential properties connections. As a result of its physical separation backing onto these channels, so visual access to from the rest of the city, this open space asset is the general public is typically limited to bridge generally underutilized and underappreciated by crossings. the public.

East Bay Regional Park District. The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of public A parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay that serves as an important recreational resource for the region. East Bay Regional Park District manages over 114,000 acres, 65 regional parks, recreational areas, wilderness, shorelines, preserves, and land bank areas. There are three regional parks and one national wildlife refuge within easy access of the city. Coyote Hills Regional Park lies less than one mile southwest from the city boundary; parts of the Garin/Dry Creek/Pioneer Regional Park lie within the city limits in the Hillside Area; and Quarry Lakes Regional Park lies just outside the city limits to the southeast.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 31 Park Access and Parkland Open Space Access. The Union Basic Park Facilities and Parking. Deficiencies. Based on the current City Public Works Department Residents indicate that some park standard, Union City is maintains 34 parks in the city parks lack basic facilities, lacking parkland. Union City limits, totaling over 120 acres. such as lighting, parking, or Municipal Code 17.30.030 Seventy-one percent of the bathrooms. Residents want I established a standard of population is in a block group more safe and secure facilities I three acres of parkland for located within a walkable distance that include lighting, directional every 1,000 residents, not of a park. However, there are some signage, striping, and call boxes including medians, school facilities, neighborhoods within Union City on trails to encourage people or regional parks. The current that have limited accessibility to to use the facilities. In addition, (2014) parkland acreage within City parks. Lack of adequate residents want gaps in the bicycle Union City is 120 acres or 1.66 pedestrian and bicycle and pedestrian network to be acres per 1,000 people (assuming I connections to and from filled in and sidewalks to be made a 2014 population of 72,155). certain City parks is also a handicap-accessible. Residents Union City does not have enough factor in resident’s ability to access also noted that there is often not local parks to meet the Municipal City parks. In addition, there is a sufficient parking, especially when Code’s standards. The City needs significant amount of the Hillside sports fields are in use, or adequate 216 acres in order to achieve its Area that is not accessible due to bathroom facilities. Parking is a park standard. That is a difference a lack of infrastructure to access particular issue at Accinelli Park of over 96 additional acres. these areas and the fact that the while bathrooms are a particular Furthermore, based on projected majority of the hillside area in issue at Dry Creek Park, which is population growth, the city will under private ownership. an East Bay Regional Park District need an additional 127 acres of (EBRPD) facility. The City should local parks to meet the standards in consider adequate parking, lighting, 2040. and bathroom facilities when designing new parks. In addition, the City should work to identify and address any park deficiencies. 32 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com San Francisco Bay Trail. The San Francisco Vargas Plateau Regional Park. East Bay Trail is a bicycle and pedestrian trail O Bay Regional Park District owns an O that will eventually allow continuous travel area southeast of Union City known as around the shoreline of San Francisco Bay. As of 2015 the Vargas Plateau. In 2014 the Park District prepared approximately 340 miles (550 km) of trail have been plans to construct the first phase of public access to completed. When finished, the Bay Trail will Vargas Plateau, including a 25-car parking extend over 500 miles (805 km) to link the area and trails. Construction was anticipated shoreline of nine counties, passing through to start in Fall 2014 and the park is expected 47 cities and crossing seven toll bridges. to open in late 2015. Future development It is a project of the Association of Bay of camping (group and trekking camps) Area Governments (ABAG). Within is dependent upon constructing the Union City, the existing and planned upper staging area, and these projects are alignment of the Bay Trail runs along considered Phase II public use improvements. Union City Boulevard. An east-west trail is More significant road improvements will also planned along an existing flood control channel likely be needed prior to opening these areas located between Silvertide Drive and Jean Drive that to the public. This second phase could take years to will allows users to get to the edge of the Bay. The implement. The Vargas Plateau offers an opportunity Alameda Creek Regional Trail, which is accessed off of to provide additional open space access to Union City Ardenwood Boulevard/Union City Boulevard, is also residents and visitors. part of the Bay Trail.

Urban Agriculture. Urban agriculture O can take many forms, from community gardens, to urban farming programs at schools, to home-based food growing. Urban agriculture can increase access to healthy food, encourage physical activity, and enhance social capital. There are two community gardens operating in Union City: one on Veneto Avenue in the Seven Hills neighborhood off Mission Boulevard, and the other at the end of Amaral Court, adjacent to I-880. The gardens consists of several 15 foot by 30 foot plots. Residents and non-residents of Union City may apply for one of the available plots; however, Union City residents have priority for membership. Station District Family Housing also features allotment gardens for residents. The City could consider implementing more community gardens to provide access to healthy foods and community involvement. Other cities have enacted policies for interim land and complementary water use, improved access to produce, elevated public consciousness about public health, created culturally appropriate educational and training materials, and strengthened community building skills. The City could also consider the creation of urban agriculture zoning that enables individuals to grow food at home or in public spaces as part of landscaping.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 33 Community Health H and Quality of Life

A focus of community health is intended to improve the health and quality of life of residents through prevention, treatment, and promotion of a healthy, active, safe, and stimulating lifestyles. The promotion of healthy behaviors, diverse neighborhoods, and safe environments contribute to the quality of life for the city’s youth, families, and seniors. Health is also linked to economic prosperity. Healthier children are more productive in school, healthier adults are able to pursue greater economic mobility, and healthier seniors require fewer medical services. A high quality of life is akin to a healthier community, and a healthier community is a prosperous community.

Cultural Diversity. Culture is a strong part of people’s Quality Schools. Union City schools are A lives. It influences their views, their values, their humor, part of the New Haven Unified School their hopes, their loyalties, and their worries and fears. District, which is well-known for its quality schools, Diverse neighborhoods support local, regional and especially James Logan High School. James Logan is community cultural institutions, and act as an engine of the largest high school in Northern California, with economic revitalization for communities. Union City an enrollment of over 3,900 students on a campus is more ethnically diverse than Alameda County and of 64 acres. The school contains a 50,000 square A California. Union City includes African Americans, foot performing arts center, a 3,000-seat pavilion, a Burmese, Cambodian, Caucasians, Chinese, Filipinos, football stadium, and an Olympic-size swimming Hispanic or Latinos, Indians, Japanese, Korean, pool. The School District’s student makeup is diverse, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Pakistanis, and as there is no single majority ethnic group; students Vietnamese, as well as multiple-race individuals. speak more than 40 different languages and they Residents identified the cultural diversity in Union City come from a wide variety of cultures. Residents as an asset, especially eating at authentic restaurants, indicated that this diversity or a “taste of the real and enjoy having friends and neighbors with so many world” is one of the reasons they moved to Union different backgrounds. From a policy perspective, the City. City can design and implement strategies to promote its diversity and help tap the potential benefits of the city’s many different cultures and unique individuals. 34 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Transit Access. Public transit A facilitates personal mobility while decreasing fuel consumption, reducing congestion, and increasing economic growth. Union City residents have access to a range of public transit options including Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Amtrak, Union City Transit (UC Transit), and Alameda- Contra Costa Transit (AC Transit). With the construction of the multi-modal station in the Station District, Union City may see significant pedestrian activity as residents travel to and from transit. An estimated 94 percent of residents live within a one- quarter mile radius of a local transit stop. About 94 percent of schools in the city (or 15 out of 16 schools) are within one-quarter mile of a transit stop. The only school that is not well served by transit is Tom Kitayama Elementary. According to the 2008-2012 Access to Parks. Both adults and children tend to be more ACS, an estimated 8.9 percent physically active when they have access to safe parks, A of Union City residents use playgrounds, and indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. public transit to travel to work, Residents identified the open space available in the city for views compared to 11.9 percent of and recreation as an asset. They believe it is important to preserve Alameda County residents. the nature in the city and promote the environment. There are two An estimated 2.5 percent of agencies that maintain parks and open space within Union City: the Union City households do not Union City Leisure Services Department and the East Bay Regional have access to an automobile Park District (EBRPD). EBRPD maintains 65 regional parks, mostly and are entirely dependent on outside of the city limits, that can serve Union City residents. The public transit, compared to 4.6 Union City Leisure Services Department maintains 34 parks in percent in Alameda County. the city limits, totaling over 120 acres. Parks are well distributed Residents indicated that public in Union City. Seventy-one percent of the population is in a block transit needs to be expanded, group located within a walkable distance of a park. However, there especially during rush hour. are neighborhoods within Union City that have poor physical Union City teens provided proximity to parks, specifically the Hills, Alvarado District, Dyer feedback that the buses Triangle, and 511 District. traveling to and from school are often overcrowded or late.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 35 Youth / Teen Services and Facilities. Residents Leisure Services Department. It is offered at both expressed concern regarding at-risk youth within middle schools in Union City and provides a number Union City and agreed that it is important to provide of different activities for students including homework for the next generation of Union City residents. Union help, cooking, sports, and crafts. The William C. May, City has a Youth and Family Services division, which Jr. Teen Center provides a place to spend time, watch provides alternatives and support to Union City TV, and enjoy games, including pool, ping pong, residents and families in the New Haven Unified and video games. The City has plans to convert the School District. The division provides crisis Kennedy Community Center into a teen center to I support, counseling, and the Parent Project, expand the programs available for the City’s teens. which supports parents with challenging children Within the City, teens can also participate in the or teens. The Division also reaches out to youth and Bicycle Repair program where bicycles are repaired young adults 14-24 years of age to connect them and and sold out of a facility on Mission Boulevard; join the their families with services and support including Union City Sports Center where there is a variety of intervention services, provide referrals, and provide teen / youth programs; or enroll in a program offered job readiness skills including interview techniques and through the Leisure Services Department. resume building. The City provides a variety of successful program for Union City has several additional programs for youth youth and teens including at-risk youth. However, within the City. Afternoons with Club Une is an there is always more need than there are resources to after-school program sponsored by the Union City expand these services.

School Facilities. Some residents worry about overcrowding at the high school. Some residents support splitting Logan High into two or more schools whereas some residents believe that the elementary and middle schools should be centralized into one facility like Logan High. Enrollment is the lowest it has been I since the 1996-1997 school year. This leads to a decrease in State funding. Decision- makers say that the City needs to facilitate better communication and coordination with the school district, as schools are key to the City moving forward.

36 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Air Quality/Asthma. Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes swelling, excess mucus, and narrowing of the airways. Many studies have identified a link between air pollution and asthma. The effects of asthma include missed school and work days, disruption of sleep and daily activities, urgent medical visits for asthma exacerbations, and even death. In Alameda County asthma is the most common health condition among young children. Healthy Eating Habits. There with healthy eating are not I According the 2014 Alameda are concentrations of people in always solved. Children and County Health Data Profile poverty who live in neighborhoods individuals can still purchase and Report, almost one in five, that are not in a ½ mile walking consume unhealthy food options. I or 19 percent of children distance of a grocery store Studies have shown that access and adolescents ages 0 to including portions of the Decoto alone does not resolve health 17 years are estimated to have neighborhood and the residential issues. The health issue associated been diagnosed with asthma, neighborhoods located off of the with unhealthy eating or health compared with 15 percent easterly portion of Alvarado-Niles in general can be a symptom of of children and adolescents Road near Interstate 880. The numerous other socioeconomic in California. In addition, 14 Union City Farmers Market and problems, such as poverty, a low percent of adults in Alameda the Kaiser Permanente Union minimum wage, education issues, County report being diagnosed City Farmers Market provide an inability to prepare more with asthma, compared to 13.6 healthy and local food options to time-consuming meals from fresh percent of adults statewide. Union City residents. They are ingredients, a higher cost of raw Among the children aged 0 served by public transit and accept foods compared with prepared to 17 years, the prevalence of Women, Infants, and Children foods, a lack of decent jobs, and asthma is highest for Hispanics Electronic Benefits Transfer (WIC geographical location. Access is (30 percent) and for African EBT). WIC EBT is an electronic only one part of a complex set of Americans (29 percent), which is system that replaces paper food strategies to improve health. three times higher than the Asian checks or vouchers with a card prevalence rate of 10 percent. for food benefit issuance and Among adults, Whites have the redemption at authorized WIC highest prevalence (19 percent), grocery stores. However, even if an followed by African Americans area is served by supermarkets or (16 percent) and Hispanics (12 farmers markets, issues associated percent). The lowest prevalence is for Asians with 8 percent. Union City had about 561 asthma- related emergency department visits per 100,000, higher than 472 per 100,000 in Alameda County. April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 37 High School Dropout Rate. Although the schools in Union City are well-regarded for their I amenities, especially Logan High School, the New Haven Unified School District has a median high school dropout rate of 9.2 percent, which means nearly one in every ten students does not complete high school. On average higher percentages of African American/Black, Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students dropped out of high school Childcare Demands. Childcare is essential especially for I than Asian American, White, and single parents or parents who both work. Union City is home Filipino students. The California to many children and households with children. According to the Department of Education monitors American Communities Survey 2011-2013, about 25 percent of Union academic performance of all public City’s residents were under the age of 18 and about 44.8 percent of schools, including charter schools, and households had a child under the age of 18. Of children under the releases public school rankings known age of 18, about 68 percent were under the age of 11 (36 percent were as the Academic Performance Index, under the age of 6 and 32 percent were ages 6 to 11). Of households or API. The API is based on a series with children under the age of 18, nearly 70 percent were in households of State tests. Each school receives where both parents work, and 6.5 percent of households with children an API score from 200 to 1,000. If a were single parent households. In 2014 there were 16 licensed daycare school receives the score of 1,000, it is facilities located in Union City with a capacity of 550. In addition, New considered a “very-high performing Haven School District offers before and after school childcare at all school.” The target ranking for all elementary schools through its Kids First Program. schools in California is 800. Five schools met the State baseline number of 800 in 2012 including: Delaine Cost of Living and Housing Costs. In areas where living costs are Eastin Elementary (895), Alvarado high, lower-income households must spend a larger portion of their Elementary (856), Pioneer Elementary income on necessities, having less discretionary income. This can have (832), Kitayama Elementary (830), a significant impact on living standards, overall quality of life, as well and Alvarado Middle School (819). as the health of individuals and families. Some Union City residents The remaining schools did not indicate that that their cost of living is high due to high housing meet the API target ranking. These I costs. According to results of a 2014 Bay Area Council poll, 45 include: Emanuele Elementary (798), percent of respondents identified housing costs as a serious problem, Hillview Crest Elementary (756), and 65 percent indicated they make $75,000 or less and ranked the Searles Elementary (747), Cesar cost of living highest among the region’s problems. An estimated Chavez Middle (722), and Logan High 25 percent of all Union City households were paying more than 30 School (737). Youth education is percent of their income for housing in 2010, which was higher than important to residents. Residents also the countywide average of 23 percent. Cost of living is especially high note that school performance is related for renters, whereas owners seem to be able to better afford housing. to economic development, as potential The average rent for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in developers often inquire about the Union City was $1,578, which is higher than the Fair Market Rent for quality of the City’s school district. Contra Costa County at $1,255. However, the median sale price in 2014 was $470,000, much lower than $590,000 countywide. According to Sperlings online cost of living calculator (http://www.bestplaces. net/cost-of-living/), for a household making $50,000/year, housing in Hayward is about 30 percent less expensive than Union City, but Fremont is 26 percent more expensive than Union City. 38 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Aging Population. The population in Union City is aging. In 2000 the median age of Union City residents was 32.8, which was slightly I younger than the countywide median of 34.5 and 33.3 for California. In 2010 the median age increased to 36.2 for Union City, 36.6 for Alameda County, and 35.2 for California. This suggests that the population of Union City and the county as a whole is aging faster than the statewide average. This trend most likely reflects the aging of the existing population and the lack of families with young children migrating to the county and Union City. The percentage of senior households (65 years and over) in the city is expected to continue increasing as the baby boomers age. Seniors tend to have special housing needs based on factors such as age, health, self-care capacity, economic status, family arrangement, and Obsolete Library Facilities. homeownership. Particular needs for the elderly include smaller and more The Union City Library, efficient housing, more accessible housing that incorporates universal located in the Civic Center design concepts, and a wide variety of housing with health care and/or complex next to City personal services. Many seniors are disabled; 35.2 percent of seniors had Hall, serves the over one or more disabilities in 2012. Residents are concerned about the quality I 70,000 residents of of life for the aging population and want the city to provide additional Union City as well as the programs for seniors. nearby communities of Fremont, Hayward, and Walking and Biking. Union use the facilities. In addition to the Newark. Operated as part City’s urban design is strongly physical benefits associated with of the Alameda County automobile-oriented. healthy communities, walkable Library System, the Connectivity is complicated by and bikeable communities can Union City Public Library inwardly oriented residential also provide economic and offers a collection of over O neighborhoods and the I-880 environmental benefits. The 100,000 items including freeway bisecting the city. presence of sidewalks a growing DVD and CD Although a network of and bicycle facilities book collection. Special trails and pedestrian has been shown to features of the collection pathways exists, increase property include items in Chinese, residents indicate value and promote Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, that there are tourism. Sidewalks Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, significant gaps as and connected, Spanish, and Tagalog. well as accessibility well-maintained Other services include free and safety issues. pedestrian and internet access, free wireless According to the bike networks allow access, photocopiers, and 2008-2012 ACS, only citizens to safely and text enlarger. A meeting 1.2 percent of Union conveniently patronize room is available for use by City residents walked and 0.2 local shops, businesses, and community groups free of percent rode a bicycle to work. restaurants. Environmentally, charge. The library is small These figures are much lower than increasing the number of people and outdated. Residents walking and bicycling rates for walking and bicycling in the City indicate the library needs to Alameda County, as 3.8 percent of can decrease car travel and related be updated and expanded. county residents walk to work and harmful auto emissions. Finally, Libraries are no longer 1.7 percent of county residents ride environments that include safe just places to check out a a bicycle to work. Residents want pedestrian and bicycle amenities book or to do homework; more safe and secure facilities can provide opportunities for they’re meeting places, that include lighting, directional people of all ages and abilities media centers, and digital signage, striping, and call boxes to stay socially connected and repositories. on trails to encourage people to engaged.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 39 Senior Services and Aging in Place. Seniors City has both public and private senior housing are a growing population in Union City. projects. Similar to other cities in the Bay Area, there O However, they have different needs than other is more need than can be accommodated, especially residents, including assistance with transportation, housing opportunities for low-income seniors. As housing, repairs, entertainment, health, the senior population increases, there will and other issues. The challenges of be an additional demand for housing caring for the elderly includes and services to serve this population. availability of long-term care, access The demands placed on the City to to medicine and behavioral health, support seniors in the community keeping the elderly as healthy can also provide an opportunity to and active as possible, organizing advance quality growth objectives. community services so that care Structuring community design, is more accessible, and integrating housing, and healthcare to meet the seniors and the elderly into the fabric needs of seniors creates multiple social of community life. The Ralph and and economic benefits for the entire Mary Ruggieri Senior Center provides community. Pedestrian accessibility, efficient many services to seniors, including exercise public transportation, housing type diversity, and classes, lunch, movies, outings, and legal aid. Door- commercial/residential integration are both quality to-door paratransit services are provided by AC growth goals and aging in place necessities. Transit and UC Transit. In terms of housing, Union

40 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Public Art. Cities gain value through Cultural/Ethnic Amenities at Parks/Public Spaces. O public art. Public art can increase a sense Union City is very culturally diverse. Residents of community, place, and identity while identified the cultural diversity in Union City encouraging pedestrian activity and as an asset, especially eating at authentic O interaction. In addition, art can restaurants, and enjoy having friends celebrate the history and heritage and neighbors with so many different of a place. Since the late nineties, backgrounds. Residents have suggested the City has worked to integrate that adding more cultural events and pubic art into new development. festivals, like the ones held in the The Station District is an Alvarado area or similar to the night excellent example of an area market in Taipei, would bring people that integrated art into the urban together. Additionally, they would fabric, with its large murals and like to incorporate into local parks sculptures. Union City’s Public Art cultural amenities that showcase the city’s Board reviews and advises the City diversity. For example, in addition to BBQs in Council, City staff, and project sponsors parks, the City could add tandoor ovens. Another on proposed public art installations. The City is example would be to add cricket fields in addition currently implementing a program to hire local to baseball and soccer fields. Union City could artists to paint utility boxes throughout the City. further promote its diversity by showcasing various backgrounds, lifestyles and values of residents.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 41 Hazards H and Safety

A basic function of the General Plan is to protect life, health, and property. Hazards can come in many forms, including natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes or floods) and human-made hazards (e.g., chemical spills). Understanding the potential hazards affecting the city and having plans and ser- vices in place to address emergencies is important to the protection of people and property in the event of a natural or human-caused emergency or disaster.

Multi-jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Emergency Operations Plan. In A Union City and the entire San Francisco Bay Area are December 2012 Alameda County, in at risk from natural or human-caused disasters, such cooperation with cities in the county, including as earthquakes, fires, floods, industrial accidents, and Union City, prepared an Emergency Operations terrorism. In 2010 Union City adopted the Multi- Plan (EOP) to ensure the most effective and jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan economical allocation of resources for the (MJLHMP), which was an effort lead by the protection of people and property in the event A Association of Bay Area Governments along with of a natural or human-caused emergency or approximately 100 other Bay Area cities, counties, and disaster. The County incorporated the mitigation special districts. The purpose of the MJLHMP is to establish efforts outlined in the Multi-jurisdictional Local disaster mitigation priorities for the region to minimize Hazard Mitigation Plan as a part of the EOP. The the damage from human-made or natural disasters. EOP establishes emergency support by assigning The MJLHMP identifies a number of hazard mitigation tasks, specifying policies and strategies that prepare the city for future disasters or procedures, providing emergencies, including: a vulnerability assessment of City information for the facilities and infrastructure; joint meetings of security and coordination and planning operations personnel at critical facilities; participation in efforts of the emergency general mutual-aid agreements for cooperative disaster and response staff, and response; and adoption of more stringent building code establishing an Emergency provisions. Operation Center to serve as the central command center.

42 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Police Department. Fire Department. The Mutual Aid Agreement. The Union City Police Alameda County Fire The City participates in A Department (UCPD), A Department (ACFD) A the California Mutual Aid formed in 1966, provides provides fire protection System, which is an ongoing police protection services in services through four fire cooperative effort among Union City. UCPD includes 77 stations located within the city agencies and jurisdictions sworn officers and maintained limits of Union City. ACFD to ensure an effective and a ratio of 1.08 sworn officers includes about 400 firefighters, organized response to per 1,000 residents, which which amounts to a ratio of emergencies. This system is an increase from its 2013 1.02 firefighters per provides the mechanism by ratio of 1.01. However, 1,000 residents in which Union City can request this ratio is lower than the ACFD’s service assistance in the event of nationwide average ratio of 1.8 areas. This is an emergency or disaster. police officers per 1,000 for lower than Union City is part of the municipalities similar in size the national Mutual Aid Region II to Union City. UCPD provides average of 1.7 with Alameda County patrol, traffic, and community firefighters serving as the Regional services through several tactical per 1,000 Coordinator. In the event of units, including: the Crisis residents. The an emergency, Union City uses Response Unit, School Resource agreement between local resources and can access Unit, and the Field and Patrol the City and ACFD establishes assistance from neighboring Units. Additionally, UCPD service standards, including a cities and special districts that collaborates with community goal of a five-minute response participate in the Statewide groups and schools to reduce in at least 90 percent of all calls Mutual Aid System. This is crime in neighborhoods for service and requires the four beneficial to Union City because and continue improving fire stations in Union City to it ensures that the City has the community-peace officer remain open. capacity to address the impacts relations. UCPD has effectively caused by natural and human- addressed crime as the crime caused events and emergencies. rate has decreased every year since 2009.

Earthquakes. Union City is in a high-risk area for I earthquakes. Four faults run through or near the city, including the Hayward Fault, Calaveras Fault, the Green Fault, and the San Andreas Fault. Earthquakes can result in shaking and ground rupture, landslides, fires, soil liquefaction, tsunamis, and floods. The City has adopted measures to address and respond to earthquakes through the Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which includes a description of the roles and responsibilities, how to establish a disaster center, and collaboration between agencies. The City requires all new housing to comply with the most recent California Building Code seismic standards.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 43 I Flood Risk/Sea-level Rise. Climate change is expected to cause an increase in the risk of flooding due to sea level rise and more intense storm events. The Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District maintains an extensive system of levees, floodwalls, and drainage canals throughout the city to protect against flooding. However, the flood control infrastructure in Union City is nearing the end of its useful service life. This system will require major upgrades or replacements in order to provide adequate flood protection.

Crime. Between 2009 and 2014 the Hazardous Waste Sites. Wildland/Urban Fires. While total number of crimes in the city A total of 36 open or I most of Union City is subject to decreased from 2,524 to 1,811, a re- active hazardous waste sites only moderate fire threats, about 24 duction of 28 percent. Major crimes are located in Union City, includ- percent of the city is designated as are divided into two categories: ing: one Superfund site, 19 leaking a high fire threat area and about violent crimes and property crimes. underground storage tanks, 15 9 percent as a very Violent crimes include homicides, cleanup program sites, and one high fire threat forcible rape, robbery, and aggra- land disposal site. The most com- area. The high I vated assault, while property mon causes of hazardous waste and very high crimes include burglary, contamination in the city are soil fire threats larceny theft, motor vehicle and groundwater contamination are in the less I theft, and arson. Between from industrial and commercial developed 2009 and 2014 the top three activities. Most of these hazardous hillside area in crimes in Union City were larceny waste sites are open and either the eastern part theft, burglary, and motor vehicle undergoing a site assessment, veri- of the city (east of theft. The crime rate in the city has fication monitoring, a remediation Mission Boulevard). also decreased between the same process, or are eligible for closure. period, from 36.5 crimes to 25.1 The Union City Environmental per 1,000 residents. The crime rate Programs Division is the desig- in 2014 of 25.1 crimes per 1,000 nated Certified Unified Program residents is lower than the crime Agency that works to protect the rate compared to the city of Hay- public health and the environment. ward (36.5 per 1,000), but higher compared to the city of Fremont (18.8 per 1,000).

44 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Noise. Rail and roadway traffic, especially along I Interstate 880 and around the Intermodal Station, are the most significant sources of noise affecting residents in Union City. BART, Amtrak, ACE train, and freight rail are the main sources of rail noise. BART trains traveling on elevated tracks expose adjacent neighborhoods to particularly high noise levels. Cars and trucks are primary sources of traffic noise. In addition to Interstate 880, traffic noise is most significant on Mission Boulevard, Decoto Road, Alvarado-Niles Road, Whipple Road, Union City Boulevard, Dyer Street, Central Avenue, and Alvarado Boulevard. These roads are high in traffic volume, which leads to high noise levels.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Community-Oriented Policing. Design. Crime Prevention Through Community-Oriented Environmental Design (CPTED) is a set of Policing is an approach to O techniques and design considerations that crime prevention based reduce the potential for crime. CPTED strategies on assigning the same rely upon influencing potential offender police officers to the decisions that precede criminal acts. same neighborhoods. CPTED concepts focus on physical design By assigning the same O of development to deter criminal activity. officers to the same CPTED principles of design range from the neighborhoods, the small-scale (e.g., the strategic use of shrubbery police officers, residents, and other vegetation) to the larger-scale, and businesses develop including the building form and placement familiarity and trust with each to increase “eyes on the street.” CPTED is an other. The police officers can more easily opportunity for the City to use the development identify the problem people and problem places. review process to reduce crime in the city. The City has a Community Oriented Policing & Problem Solving (COPPS) unit, which focuses on crime prevention, nuisance abatement, and neighborhood dispute mediation. The COPPS unit also directly addresses street crime, assists the Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force with gang and narcotic enforcement, and assists the Investigations Unit of UCPD.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 45 Sustainability S and Resilience

Sustainability is method of planning communities to meet the demands of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development techniques and practices are important because they reduce reliance on non-renewable sources of energy, conserve water, and reduce the city’s contribution to greenhouse gases. Closely tied to sustainability is the concept of resiliency. Resiliency focuses on planning communities to be prepared for uncertain challenges and help ensure the community and the City are able to respond quickly and emerge stronger than before.

Climate Action Plan. Union City adopted a Climate Energy Efficient Standards. Energy efficiency Action Plan (CAP) in 2010. The CAP includes standards are intended to ensure that buildings are strategies, measures, and actions to reduce GHG energy efficient and reduce energy use. Improving emissions and plan for climate change impacts. energy efficiency in buildings is one of the The CAP is comprised of several parts, most constructive and cost-effective ways to A including GHG inventories and projections, A reduce GHG emissions. The energy efficiency GHG reduction measures, and implementation standards in Union City exceed the State strategies. The CAP established a GHG emissions standards by 15 percent for all new single and reduction target of 20 percent below 2005 levels by multifamily construction, and by 10 percent for new 2020. The General Plan Update is an opportunity nonresidential construction. This allows the city to enhance the City’s climate protection efforts and to reduce its community GHG emission levels and update policies that address climate change in an effort ensure developers achieve energy efficiency for new to reach the GHG reduction target outlined in the construction projects. CAP.

46 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Regional Adaptation Partnership. Adapting to Rising Tides, also known as the ART A project, is a collaborative planning effort to help San Francisco Bay Area communities adapt to sea level rise and storm event flooding. Led by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Services Center, the ART project engaged and informed local, regional, State, and Federal agencies and organizations, as well as non-profit and private organizations on how sea level rise and other climate change impacts affect the Bay Area’s ecosystems, infrastructure, and economy. The ART project formed a Subregional Working Group, which included Union City, to refine the Bay Area’s approach to vulnerability and risk assessment and develop strategies to address these challenges. Some of these strategies include: policy development; changes in organizational programs and operations; data collection and assessment efforts; design changes and physical improvements to infrastructure; and education and outreach to increase the resilience of neighborhoods and communities of the Bay Area. The City participated in the working group to help residents and business further adapt to the impacts from climate change and reduce the vulnerability of the built and natural environment.

I Climate Change Impacts. Climate change resulting from greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) impacts Union City residents and businesses in many ways, including increased average temperatures with overall hotter summers and drier winter conditions, more severe storm events, drought, and sea level rise. The City’s Climate Action Plan describes specific Bay Area impacts, including average temperature increases between 3.2 and 5.5°F by 2090 and 50 extreme heat days per year – up from today’s average of four per year. The impacts from climate change are a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 47 Economic Downturn/The Great Recession. The increasing the unemployment rate from 5.8 percent Great Recession impacted all aspects of economic before the recession to 10.6 percent. The General Plan and community life, including a loss of jobs, the Update represents an opportunity for the City to refine closure of businesses, home foreclosures, a loss its economic development policies and strategies to of tax revenue for the city, and a loss of State be more economically resilient and withstand future I and Federal grant funding. Almost 1,700 city economic downturns. residents lost their jobs between 2008 and 2009,

Alternative Energy Generation. Alternative energy is any energy source that is an alternative to O fossil fuel (oil, coal, natural gas) and is often referred to as renewable energy. The most common sources of alternative energy are solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, nuclear, and ocean currents. In- creased use of alternative energy sources reduces air emissions, particularly GHGs, which result from the use of fossil fuels. The City has the opportunity to further the use of alternative energy by building on past efforts to reduce potential regulatory barriers to individual solar and wind energy facilities and assisting with new financing programs that help homeowners install alternative energy facilities.

O Water Conservation. Water conservation includes policies, strate- gies, and activities to manage fresh water as a sustainable resource, to protect the water supply, and to meet current and future demand. Water conservation has become increasingly important as the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly clear. California has been historically and is increasingly affected by drought conditions. The City continues to implement water conservation strategies through discretionary project review by requiring water-efficient landscaping and low-impact development techniques. The City is also implementing practices to reduce energy use including the replacement of turf with native, drought-resistant vegetation and the use of drip irrigation. ACWD offers a wide variety of rebates, incentives, and technical assistance to its residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and large landscape customers, including rebates for smart irrigation, lawn replacement, and water-efficient fixtures and appliances; water-saving assistance programs; and free water conservation devices. 48 Union City General Plan Update | uc2040.com Resiliency Planning. Community resiliency is a Efficient Development Techniques. Efficient measure of the ability to use available resources to development techniques are methods that allow for respond to and anticipate, withstand, and recover from a more efficient use of existing resources, such as the natural and manmade disasters and changing efficient use of infrastructure (e.g., water and circumstances. Communities that are resilient sewer), or the community design (e.g., efficiency have the necessary tools to confront a range of street layouts or infill development). Compact O of challenges that impact the city, its residents, O development is an efficient development and businesses from climate instability, to rising technique that devotes less land to parking lots and energy costs, and to an economic recession. The streets, and accommodates higher-density housing. General Plan is an opportunity to reinforce the existing Efficient development includes mixed-use, transit- infrastructure, institutions, policies, practices, and oriented, pedestrian-friendly development, which other tools that support the City’s ability to respond to results in fewer car trips and vehicle emissions, threats and enhance the city’s resiliency. promotes infill, and minimizes impervious surfaces and stormwater runoff. A good example of efficient development is the Station District area in Union City.

April 2015 | Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Report 49 Union City General Plan Update Assets, Issues, and Opportunities Summary Report | April 2015